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What's the Difference Between Essence, Serum and Ampoule?

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What's the Difference Between Essence, Serum and Ampoule?

Serum, essence, ampoule, these three products can seem like the same thing, but in reality, they each have different functions in your beauty regimen. To help clear things up, we put together this definitive guide to these skincare staples. Read on to learn what the heck each of them is, what the difference between them is, and how to combine them with your existing routine.

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| Serum

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

Serums are likely the most well-known product category. Serums tend to be more concentrated in its active ingredients, these substances often address specific issues like brightening, dark spots, wrinkles, etc and are usually more concentrated than what you'll find in, say, a moisturizing cream. Usually, serums are thought to have a more viscous texture then essences.

Try: Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

| Essence

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

Well, if you're at all familiar with serums, then you'll get the gist of an essence very quickly because they're pretty much the same thing. Essences were initially developed to be a lighter, less concentrated way to add moisture to the skin before applying a serum. (SK-II's essence is a classic example of the texture.) Now, however, serums are getting lighter, and essences are getting thicker.

In fact, the very words "essence" and "serum" are nothing but marketing words now. Basically, western women understand "serum" and Asian women understand "essence," so the terms essence/serum/concentrate are practically interchangeable.

Try: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

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| Ampoule

Cosrx Centella Blemish Ampule

Ampoules are considered to be a more concentrated version of a serum, think of it as a booster shot. They often contain a higher number of active ingredients and are used for a finite amount of time. For example, you may want to use a weekly ampoule pack so you can get big results before a big event or after a major skin crisis. You may often see them in smaller vials or dropper bottles as a little goes a long way here.

Try: Cosrx Centella Blemish Ampule

| The Bottom Line

As there's no regulation on these terms, keep in mind that the texture can vary from brand to brand. After you figure out the right ingredients for your skin issues, choose a texture that suits your skin type and your sensibility. Try out different textures to see what you like. Don't worry about following some cookbook notion of what your skin care regimen should look like. It should constantly evolve, depending on what your skin needs.
A general rule of thumb is to apply essence, serums and ampoules in order from thinnest to thickest in texture. This allows for the best possible absorption.

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